2 Months Later

Her rooms were stuffy and hot, full as they were with women hurrying to help Tenten dress. Hinata, Sakura, and a few other maids fluttered around her with excitement as they painted her face and clothed her in the wedding dress that had been custom made for her. Tenten couldn't help but be amused—this was the second wedding she would be attending as the bride, though this time around she was more than ready to say 'I do'.

Life had been busy since coming home to Kirigakure two months ago. Before even going to Neji's estate, he marched her to the best jewellery store in town and told her to pick whichever ring that took her fancy. Tenten, of course, wasn't one for flare or pomp, so she had chosen a pretty gold ring inlet with a small but charming rose cut diamond. Neji had wanted her to choose something else, not thinking it was good enough for her, but Tenten did not like any other ring as much as that one. So, in the end, Neji had relented and bought it for her, slipping it onto her finger before leaving the store.

The next two months were a whirlwind of wedding preparations—cake tasting, choosing decorations, dress fittings. Tenten had wanted a pre-made dress, something that would be less stress for the tailors, but Neji convinced her to buy one custom made. Not only would the dress be unique for her, he had said, but it would also help the tailors earn some much-needed income. Even in the midst of wedding planning Neji was aware of the need to provide for the people, something of which Tenten admired greatly.

While Tenten and Hinata took the fore in getting ready for the upcoming big day, Neji was busy having secret meetings with his men. He helped Tenten whenever she needed him, of course, but she also understood his role as earl and did not disparage him his busy schedule. She also knew what those meetings entailed, since although they were secret, he did not hide them from her. Neji told her each evening the plans he and his men were concocting with regards to the duke and how to stop his tyrant rule. Tenten loved that he told her everything, and she felt both cherished and proud to be trusted so much.

Neji also made Tenten's safety his first priority, placing guards with her whenever she had to go into town and he couldn't accompany her. After arriving home and getting settled, Neji had taken her back onto the docked ship while he finally dealt with the traitor. Deidara had been in the brig the whole journey, and she had completely forgotten about him. Truly, she had thought Neji had killed him, and she was both startled and angry when she saw the traitorous pirate again. Because of him, Tenten had dealt with terror, pain, and sickness, and it had taken her a long time to feel herself again after being rescued.

Neji had wanted Tenten to give her opinion on what to do with the traitorous pirate. He was happy to kill the scoundrel, he had told her, but he did not want to do anything to upset her. In the end, they decided together to send him away, with a threat to never set foot in Kirigakure again. Deidara had been sent off on the next merchant ship, and Neji had made an announcement to the rest of his men that if any of them did not like having Tenten onboard, they were free to leave his ship and never return. Much to Tenten's relief—and no doubt Neji's also—the remaining pirates showed their loyalty and comradery, and congratulated them both on the upcoming nuptials.

As Tenten was poked and prodded by countless staff, she thought back on the past two months with fondness. She had felt more warmth and love from not only Neji, but from his family, household staff, and even the townspeople than she had ever felt before. It was almost overwhelming how much she was cared for, and she wouldn't give it up for the world.

For years Tenten had to tiptoe around her volatile father and his servants, lest she do something wrong and get punished for it. The first time she had broken a vase in Neji's home, that fear of punishment had overtaken her, and, despite her best efforts, she trembled with anxiety. Neji had seen the fear in her eyes and had gathered her up in his arms, whispering soft, soothing words of comfort and love until she finally relaxed against him. He didn't blame her for the accident, and he assured her the vase hadn't been important, though she knew it must have been expensive.

"Oh, my lady," Sakura gasped, breaking Tenten out of her musings. "You look breathtaking!"

Not a word Tenten would have ever used for herself, but she didn't say that to the maid. Instead, she sent the woman a smile in thanks. Hinata took her hand and steered her towards the mirror so she could see the final product.

Tenten's eyes widened at the woman in the mirror, her breath stuck in her throat.

Breathtaking indeed.

Her makeup was subtle, emphasising her brown eyes and high cheekbones without being overpowering. And her gown... Well, even she could admit the dress was perfect for her.

The ivory dress was made from satin and lace. Its fitted bodice had a myriad of small beads decorating it and the lace sleeves reached out to her wrists, her skin visible beneath. Her train was short and her veil currently sat against her neck, not yet pulled over her face. The dress was light, compared to most other gowns that contained a myriad of layers. She had wanted freedom of movement and so all she wore was a shift, corset and the dress itself, fitting her body without the frills and poof like most dresses contained.

The tailor had been shocked when Tenten told her what she wanted, that sort of dress being practically unheard of, but the lady had relented when Tenten didn't back down. And eventually, she had admitted that it was a charming style, though she wasn't sure if many women would be interested in trying it.

"That dress is incredible, my lady," Sakura said, her voice awed.

"Please, Sakura, call me Tenten."

The pink haired maid sent her an exasperated look. "You know I cannot."

That she did, and it was one thing Tenten was still trying to get Neji to ease up on. She understood the need to have respect from the servants, but she truly did not like the labels. Neji was stubborn as ever, though, and she had not yet won that battle.

Hinata turned Tenten to face her, her pale eyes shining with tears. "You are beautiful. My cousin will not be able to keep his eyes off you." She quickly pulled her into a hug before stepping back once more. "I am so happy that you will soon be part of the family. For too long Neji has put the village before himself and his own happiness, so I am glad he has found you. I have never seen him look so happy as he does with you, Tenten."

Tenten flushed under her words, pleased yet embarrassed. "Thank you, Hinata."

"Do you need a minute before we go? The ceremony will start soon, but I know you must be nervous."

She took a deep, calming breath and shook her head, smiling at her future cousin-in-law. It felt as though she had been waiting for this day forever, and Tenten did not want to wait a moment longer.

A knock at the door indicated the arrival of the person come to collect her. Tenten smiled, her heart doing a little flip in anticipation. She turned to Hinata. "Let's go."

.

.

Neji had never been more nervous in his life, and he was an earl that had been up against multiple pirate ships! But at that moment, taking on the most ruthless, hardened pirate sounded easier than seeing the people mill around the garden, chattering excitedly about the wedding ceremony that was only minutes away.

There were so many people. His pirate crew, household staff, as well as ones from the village were in his gardens, waiting with expectation for the ceremony to begin. Many had already taken their seat in anticipation, but most continued to mingle with one another. It was not often that such a happy occasion occurred in Kirigakure, so Neji dealt with his anxiety over the amount of people gathered, knowing they deserved this reprieve.

Of course, it would not last for long, not with Orochimaru becoming more and more of a problem. The townspeople were becoming more terrified by the day, unsure of what the duke would do next. Neji and his men had already discussed strategies of how to stop his rule, but it was a difficult, delicate matter. They could not kill the wretched man unless they wanted to be punished for killing a duke. As much as Neji wanted to plunge his sword into the man's heart, he did not want to jeopardize his future life with Tenten—for surely such a crime would receive the punishment of death, earl or no.

So, their plan had to be methodical. Neji had already decided that he would remain on Kirigakure for the foreseeable future, both because of his plans with the duke, but also so that he could be close to Tenten. He refused to be away from her for even a short time, now that they were together. And if she were to fall pregnant... well, he did not want her to deal with a pregnancy aboard the Crimson Night.

But that was all things to worry about another day. He would not dwell on the duke on his wedding day, the most important day Neji would ever have. Today was for Tenten, and Neji's sole focus would be on her and her alone.

His first mate stood beside him at the front of the aisle, acting as Neji's best man. His valet, Gai, was the celebrant for the ceremony, for he was legally allowed to marry people and Neji much preferred a close friend to perform the ceremony than a priest he did not know.

"How are you feeling, Neji?" Lee whispered, his eyes turning to look at his captain.

Like I might throw up. "Anxious," he replied. "I am ready to see my bride."

Lee smiled and Neji knew he could not hide his nerves from his friend. "Good, because I believe she is almost here. I spied Hinata sticking her head out of the front door. Your bride should be walking down the hill momentarily."

Lee was right, but still the next few minutes went on forever. Neji's heart was pounding in his chest and he had to wipe his sweaty palms on his coat at least a dozen times before he saw Hinata round the corner to the garden, Naruto on her arm. His cousin looked lovely in a pale lavender gown that matched her eyes, and they smiled at each other as she walked towards him.

And then it was Tenten's turn, and Neji swore his heart stopped at the sight of her.

It was as though he had been sucker punched in the stomach; his breath left him in a whoosh, and he stood there, not breathing, for long moments as the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on floated towards him. In that instant, all his nerves fled him.

Their eyes remained locked as Tenten was escorted down the aisle by Konohamaru, the young boy looking proud as punch beside her. She was perfection, her face still visible from behind her veil, and Neji suddenly wanted the wedding to be over. He wanted to steal her away and hole them up in his rooms, worshipping her in every way imaginable for days on end until they exhausted themselves.

It was not until Lee passed him a handkerchief that Neji realized he was crying. He took the piece of cloth and dabbed his eyes, but still did not look away from his bride. Any other day he would be embarrassed from such a display of emotion, but not today. He was about to be married to the love of his life, the one person he vowed to cherish above all others in this world, and he did not care who saw how much she meant to him.

Finally, finally she reached him. She leaned down to plant a kiss on Konohamaru's cheek before placing her hand in Neji's outstretched one. The young lad flushed crimson and retreated to his seat, but the grin on his face could not be repressed.

Neji gave her hand a light squeeze and whispered, "Hi."

"Hi." Tenten's smile was radiant, and Neji wondered if he would get into trouble for stealing a kiss now before the vows were said.

"You look beautiful." That was far from accurate. Stunning, gorgeous, ravishing was more like it, but he did not want to embarrass her by saying so in front of all the people gathered. He would tell her by words and actions how bewitching to him she was later, when they were alone.

But Tenten smiled, pleased with his compliment. Before she could reply, however, Gai cleared his throat, gaining the attention of the couple.

The pair turned to Gai and Neji intertwined their fingers, giving Tenten one last squeeze as the celebrant began his speech.

No matter what happened in the future, no matter what events unfolded before them, Neji was confident they would deal with it together—as a team. For many, many years to come. And this was their first step towards a future filled with love, happiness, and laughter.

Neji could not have dreamed up a more perfect beginning.

Before anything else, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone that read The Pirate's Dilemma, and for those special people that left comments and reviews. I loved hearing from you, and I love knowing that I was able to give you a story you could enjoy. Thank you!

This epilogue is short, I know, and I'm sorry if you wanted more. But I like where it ends. It isn't 'the end' since, as Neji said, this is just the beginning of their lives together. And in saying that... I have some news. Don't get too excited though, since I'm not 100% sure I will follow through yet, but... I'm thinking of making a Part Two. The epilogue gives hints to where that story will lead. The reason I'm hesitating is because I'm not sure I'll be able to do it justice, but I already have points written out of what I want to happen, how I want it to happen, etc. I will have to really think about it and do some more research but I would like to write a second part to this story (it'll be my first sequel, if I do). I'm not quite ready to leave this world. So, if you are keen on a second part, please tell me. Otherwise, if you think I should let it end here, please let me know that too. I want to hear your thoughts and opinions (and if you have anything you'd like to see in a Part Two). Oh, I was also thinking of making the sequel M so I could add more intimate scenes in it, but I also like how this one didn't have anything explicit, so I might keep it teen friendly. Haven't 100% decided that either. For now, I'll keep thinking and writing plot points down, and see where it leads me.

Gosh, I had SO many things I wanted to say, but now that it's the end, I don't know where to start. I hope you all enjoyed the journey these two had together. I am a strong believer that no matter what world they are in, Neji and Tenten would find each other, because they are soulmates. And I am a huge believer in communication within a relationship. It is healthy, respectful, and makes for a strong, united team. And I believe these two would always be open and communicate with one another, so I wanted to showcase that in this last chapter.

I'm more than happy if anyone wants to send me a direct message to talk about this story or others I've written. Or about anything, really.

I'm sad that this is the end, but I'm also so happy and proud of myself that I made it this far too. I hope that all of you my dear readers were able to enjoy this story even half as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you all once again, and I hope to see you in a future fic. Stay safe everybody.